Tick & alpha-gal guides, by topic

How to Identify a Lone Star Tick: Photos, Size, and Look-Alikes

Learn how to identify a Lone Star tick by the white dot, body shape, size, and life stage — and how to tell it apart from deer ticks and dog ticks.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome Symptoms: What to Watch For After a Tick Bite

Alpha-gal syndrome can cause delayed reactions to red meat hours after eating. Learn the common symptoms, timing, and when to see an allergist.

Living With Alpha-Gal: A Beginner's Guide to Hidden Triggers

An educational overview of foods, medications, and household products that may contain alpha-gal — and questions to ask your allergist.

Permethrin Clothing Treatment: A Beginner's Guide

Permethrin is one of the most effective tick deterrents — applied to clothing, not skin. Here's how it works, how to apply it, and safety basics.

Best EPA-Registered Tick Repellents: DEET, Picaridin, and OLE

Compare the most effective EPA-registered tick repellents — DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus — including how to choose for kids and pets.

Tick Bite Action Plan: 7 Steps to Take Right Now

Found an attached tick? Follow this 7-step action plan: remove safely, document, monitor symptoms, and know when to call a doctor.

How to Safely Remove a Tick (Without Making It Worse)

Step-by-step instructions for removing an attached tick with fine-tipped tweezers, plus what to avoid and how to care for the bite area.

How to Tick-Proof Your Yard in 10 Steps

Reduce ticks in your yard with this 10-step landscaping checklist — from mowing height to wood chip barriers and pet-safe yard treatments.

Ticks on Dogs: Prevention, Removal, and What to Discuss With Your Vet

How to spot ticks on dogs, how to safely remove them, and what to ask your vet about tick prevention products year-round.

Tick Safety for Hikers and Backpackers

Trail-tested tick prevention tips for day hikers and backpackers: clothing, repellents, tick checks at camp, and what to do if you find one attached.

Family Camping Tick Safety Checklist

A practical family camping checklist for tick prevention — what to pack, daily routines at camp, and how to check kids for ticks.

Tick Safety for Hunters: Field Dressing & Alpha-Gal Risk

Hunters face high tick exposure and elevated alpha-gal awareness. Here's how to lower risk in the field, while field dressing, and after the trip.

Why Golfers Should Care About Lone Star Ticks

Roughs and tree lines on golf courses are prime tick habitat. Here's a simple round-of-golf prevention routine that takes 60 seconds.

Where Lone Star Ticks Live: U.S. Range Map Explained

An overview of the U.S. range of the Lone Star tick — established regions, emerging range, and what 'expanding range' really means.

Tick Season by State: When Lone Star Ticks Are Most Active

When are Lone Star ticks most active? A general guide to peak tick season by region, plus how to plan outdoor activities around it.